Successful home lighting is as easy as one-two-three! #Home_Lighting

Ambient Lighting, Task Lighting, and Accent Lighting.

                                         

Light - and the light fixtures you select - bring beauty to a room and its elements. At the same time good lighting is essential for functionality. One type of lighting isn’t enough for most rooms; layering lighting and thoughtful placement will help your rooms look beautiful and work optimally.

                              Layer three types of lighting for maximum beauty and function.

1. Start with ambient lighting.
Also called general lighting, this type of light washes over a room in a non-focused way – and even includes natural sunlight coming through the windows.

Ambient lighting includes ceiling light fixtures and chandeliers, lights on ceiling fans, track lighting and recessed ceiling lights that are not sharply directed, and touchier lamps.

2. Add task lighting.
This is focused light that helps you see things you want to look at closely; for example, when you're reading, sewing, shaving or applying make-up.

Task lighting includes table, floor and desk lamps; pendant light fixtures; track lighting and recessed ceiling lights that are sharply directed; under-cabinet kitchen lights; and wall-mounted bathroom fixtures near mirrors.

Before planning task lighting, think about what you’re planning to do in a room and where in the room you will do these activities.

3. Finish with accent lighting.
Also called mood lighting, this is the most specifically-aimed lighting, putting a spotlight on a specific area or object. Accent lighting can make all the difference in showing off an expensive piece of art or adding drama to an architectural feature. Think of accent lighting like a theatrical tool that draws attention to specific areas.

Accent lighting includes track lighting, recessed ceiling lights, can lights and uplights that are sharply focused; picture lights; lighting in niches or inside cabinets; and even candlelight.

Effective lighting is as easy as one, two three – ambient, task and accent. Follow these steps for layered lighting and your rooms will be bright and functional.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com

Beautiful Ideas for Holiday Guest Rooms #Holiday_Decorating #Holidays #Hunter_Douglas

Hunter Douglas Solera™ Soft Shades

Holidays are coming soon. Guests may be coming to stay – and you can make their stay much more enjoyable with just a few touches. Sometimes a guest room can seem cold and sterile or looks like a space you use to store unwanted items and old furniture.  

An engaging guest room has nothing to do with the size of the room or the cost of the furnishings, but with the details you pay close attention to. Think about the amenities you like when you stay in a nice hotel, and make those available to your guests! 

• Make the room luxurious with a high-quality mattress and good linens. 
• Have several blankets or throws available, so guests can adjust to their own comfort level. 
• Provide pillows in a couple of firmness levels and various stuffing materials. 
• Arrange side tables or nightstands on both sides of the bed, with lamps that have effective lighting for reading. 
• Purchase window treatments that block out the morning light and provide privacy. 

If there’s space, arrange a sitting area with a small table, a comfortable chair or two, and good lighting. Think about where people can put their suitcases – maybe you can add a bench at the foot of the bed or a folding luggage rack.

Clean your junk out the closet too, so there’s at least a small amount of space for people to hang their clothes and store their shoes out of site. Have at least one small bureau with a drawer or two available for guests to put away their t-shirts and socks. If you’re remodeling or adding on a guest room, make sure you include plenty of plugs for recharging portable devices.

© 2013 Hunter Douglas

www.accentwindowfashions.com